One family-friendly day in Santiago — parks, KidZania & cable car
A relaxed, kid-focused day in Santiago for families with young children. Morning playground and birdwatching, a long hands-on KidZania session with a family lunch at Parque Arauco, then an easy cable-car ride up Cerro San Cristóbal and a final ice cream in Bellavista. Designed for strollers, diaper-changing needs, midday naps/snacks, and short transfers.
Highlights
- Stroller-friendly paths and playgrounds at Parque Bicentenario (Vitacura)
- KidZania Santiago (Parque Arauco) — interactive role-play for kids (best 4–14 years)
- Family-friendly food options and changing facilities at Parque Arauco mall
- Scenic Teleférico de Santiago ride and easy stroll on Cerro San Cristóbal
- Kid-pleasing ice cream at Emporio La Rosa in Bellavista to finish the day
Itinerary
Day 1
A gentle-paced family day with open-air play, interactive learning for kids, easy meals, and a scenic cable car — all with stroller access and family facilities.
Parque Bicentenario de Vitacura — playground, ponds & picnic
Start the day outdoors at Parque Bicentenario: wide, paved paths (stroller friendly), shaded playgrounds, bird ponds where kids can watch ducks and flamingos, and clean public restrooms with baby-changing tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light sunshade and sunscreen — January in Santiago can be hot around midday; mornings are best for playground time (start early).
- Paved looped paths make stroller navigation smooth; there are benches and shaded lawns for snack breaks and short naps.
- There are public toilets near the playgrounds — check the map at the main entrance; bring wet wipes and a travel changing mat just in case.
Transfer: short drive to Parque Arauco (Las Condes)
Allow time to drive or taxi to Parque Arauco mall, settle a stroller, and use mall facilities before KidZania. Short transfer to keep children rested.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a 20–30 minute taxi or rideshare; ask the driver to stop at the mall entrance drop-off to avoid long walks with strollers.
- Use this time for a quick diaper change or bathroom stop so the KidZania session can start smoothly.
- If traffic looks heavy, consider a 10–15 minute buffer — better to arrive early and relax in the mall's family area than rush.
KidZania Santiago (Parque Arauco) — hands-on role-play for kids
Interactive indoor city built for children to try real-world jobs and earn 'kidZos.' Best for ages 4–14; staff supervised activities and many sit-down rest areas for parents. Pre-book timed entry to avoid queues on busy summer days.
Tips from local experts:
- Book tickets online in advance for your preferred entry time and plan a 3–4 hour session so kids can try multiple activities without rushing.
- KidZania recommends ages 4–14 — little ones (under 4) can still enjoy play areas, but need closer supervision; strollers are allowed at the entrance but most activity stations require you to leave strollers in a designated area.
- Bring a small refillable water bottle and label it; there are seating zones for parents and nursing-friendly corners nearby.
Lunch break at Parque Arauco — family-friendly food court
Choose from multiple kid-friendly options in the Parque Arauco food court or family restaurants in the mall; expect high chairs and varied menus (allergy-aware choices available). Restrooms and changing tables are plentiful here.
Tips from local experts:
- Opt for the mall food court for quick service and varied options if you have picky eaters; many vendors can accommodate common allergies (ask staff).
- Use the mall's family restrooms for diaper changes and breastfeeding — they're well-signed and cleaner than street facilities.
- If your child needs a nap after lunch, Parque Arauco has calm seating areas and quieter corridors where you can park a stroller and rest for a while.
Transfer: short drive to Teleférico de Santiago / Parque Metropolitano
Travel to the Teleférico/Parque Metropolitano area for an afternoon cable car ride. This transfer keeps travel time short and gives kids a chance to nap in the car if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for a 20–35 minute taxi depending on traffic; request the driver to stop near the Teleférico entrance for easy stroller access.
- If children are sleepy, this transfer is a good time for a short nap before the cable-car ride; have light blankets handy for comfort.
- Confirm Teleférico operating hours that day — in January daylight is long but schedules can vary; arrive with 10–15 minutes buffer to buy tickets or collect pre-booked ones.
Teleférico de Santiago & easy stroll at Cerro San Cristóbal viewpoint
Take the cable car for panoramic city views and a gentle stroll near the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. The paths near the viewpoint are stroller-tolerant (some slopes) and there are shaded benches and a small café for a rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a mid-afternoon ride to avoid the hottest sun and to enjoy long summer daylight; book a cabin or show up a bit before peak times to avoid lines.
- Strollers can be brought on the Teleférico but may need folding in the cabin; check staff guidance at boarding. Bring a lightweight stroller for easier handling on sloped paths.
- There are restroom facilities at the summit area and a small café for drinks/snacks; keep a spare hat and water for kids — it can be breezy at the top even in summer.
Treat: Emporio La Rosa ice cream in Bellavista
Finish with a classic Chilean ice cream or sorbet at Emporio La Rosa in Bellavista — a short, stroller-friendly stroll from the funicular/teleférico exit area. Great for cooling off and calming kids before heading back.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose sorbets or lighter flavors for hot afternoons; staff are used to families and can recommend child-sized portions.
- Bellavista sidewalks are wide near the main area, but watch for cobbles in certain corners — keep the stroller folded if you head onto narrower streets.
- If anyone has dairy allergies, ask for fruit-based sorbets; Emporio La Rosa usually has several dairy-free choices in high season.
